SIETE MARES Yacht Charter

Name: Maxime Hughes
Nationality: South African
Position: Chef
Position details: Chef
Languages: Not specified
Description: Raised along the Eastern Cape of South Africa, Maxime’s affinity for the ocean naturally evolved into a career at sea. With a strong background in hospitality and formal culinary training in Cape Town, she brings a refined yet adaptable approach to her role as a yacht chef. Her experience includes over 75,000 nautical miles sailed, a global circumnavigation, and participation in prestigious events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Oyster World Rally and Oyster Regattas, journeys that have shaped her globally inspired culinary style. She has catered to high-profile and discerning guests in exclusive settings, requiring both discretion and precision at the highest level. Maxime’s cuisine is ingredient driven, elegant, and thoughtfully executed, reflecting a balance of technical precision and creativity. Known for her composure under pressure and intuitive guest awareness, she delivers a seamless and highly personalised dining experience.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• IYT Professional Yacht Chef Culinary Course
• SYCA Super Yacht Chef Culinary Course
• Yacht Stewardess Course
• Food Hygiene & Safety Level 3
• STCW & PDSD
• MSOS Proficiency in Medical First Aid
• ENG1
• The Nutrition Institute Diploma
• Hospitality Management Diploma
• Events Management Diploma

Name: Sarai Ben Ari
Nationality: Israeli
Position: Stewardess
Position details: Stewardess
Languages: Not specified
Description: Sarai's journey has taken her from the picturesque coastlines of Italy, Germany, and Israel to the serene decks of luxury yachts. Raised with a deep connection to the sea as the daughter of a skipper, she has always been passionate about exploring the beauty of the outdoors. Her love for the ocean led her to competitive windsurfing and scuba diving, capturing the wonders of nature through her lens with photography.

With a background steeped in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines, Sarai initially brought her talents to the galley, crafting meals that brought people together around the dining table. Her experiences in hospitality and her service as a Commanding Officer have instilled in her a profound appreciation for human connection and companionship.

After completing two successful seasons in the Caribbean offering luxury charter experiences, Sarai now brings her passion for the outdoors and her dedication to creating memorable experiences to her role as a yoga instructor and vacation curator. She delights in sharing the activities she loves with her guests, from tranquil yoga sessions to immersive adventures that showcase the natural beauty of their surroundings. Passionate about free diving, Sarai also enjoys introducing guests to the serene and awe-inspiring world beneath the waves. She is committed to crafting the ultimate vacation experience, fostering connections, and creating lasting memories for everyone on board.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• HACCP Food Safety System for
• Restaurants and Other Catering Services
• STCW
• Yoga Alliance Teacher 200h
• Yin Yoga Instructor
• PADI Rescue Diver
• Officer’s Course
• Search and Rescue Rope Gliding
• Officer's self development and mindfulness training

Name: Dylon Holm
Nationality: South African
Position: Deckhand
Position details: Deckhand
Languages: Not specified
Description: Driven by a deep love for people and the ocean, Dylon joined the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) as a Volunteer Rescue Crew member and Class 4 Coxswain. His hands-on experience includes medical evacuations, surf rescues, CPR, and ensuring safety in high-pressure maritime environments. Whether swimming, bodyboarding, or simply keeping watch from a distance, Dylon is always focused on helping others enjoy their holiday safely. His background in bartending, customer relation allow him to create memorable, well-managed experiences—balancing fun with a quiet commitment to safety and care. With Dylon, every trip is not only enjoyable and engaging, but also supported by the calm confidence of someone who knows how to keep people safe without ever getting in the way of the moment.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
•STCW
Designated Security Duties Certificate
Personal Safety and Social Responsibilities
Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting
Elementary First Aid
Personal Survival Techniques
• Power Boat Level 2
• ENG 1
• Class 4 Coxswain/Rescue Crew

Name: Tiago Farto Silva
Nationality: Portuguese
Position: Captain
Position details: Rotational Captain
Languages: Not specified
Description: CAPTAIN on board from 6 July 2026

Tiago was born in Lisbon and grew up in Peniche, a surf town on Portugal’s west coast. From a young age he was drawn to the water—sailing optimists and 420s, surfing, and swimming whenever he could. In his twenties, he worked as a surf instructor at Baleal Surfcamp, teaching both kids and adults from all over Europe how to catch their first wave. He later studied at the Nautical University in Lisbon, earning a degree in Nautical Sciences before joining the Norwegian merchant navy as a deck officer. His career took him across the North Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and South Atlantic aboard chemical tankers, seismic vessels, and ROV ships. In 2019, Tiago returned to Europe and began working charters in Greece and Croatia, and it also brought him to Tahiti and the Caribbean. He loves that chartering allowed him to bring together many of his passions—instructing, navigating, exploring, and life on the water—and he’s been doing it ever since. Having spent most of his life at sea, Tiago is a confident and experienced captain who enjoys sharing his knowledge and showing others the beauty of life on the ocean. Calm, capable, and deeply experienced, Tiago makes every guest feel safe, relaxed, and well taken care of.

C E R T I F I C A T E S
• RYA Yacht Master
• Ocean Skipper
• Master of Yachts 200 GT Unlimited (MCA)
• OOW 500+ GT
• GMDSS Operator
• Dynamic Positioning Operator
• STCW Instructor
• Helicopter landing officer
• First Aid Certified
• Firefighting Certified
• Helicopter Underwater Escape Training
• ENG1